Kalyanpuranand · File:Lord Jagannath temple at night.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) · cropped and resized · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lord_Jagannath_temple_at_night.jpg

City Guide · India

Puri

The pilgrim city of the Jagannath Temple and the Rath Yatra, on a long Bay of Bengal beach — and the base for Konark and Chilika.

Best seasonOct – Mar

Ideal stay1–2 nights

From BhubaneswarAbout 60–65 km

Temple entryHindus only

About

Puri

Puri is a pilgrimage city on the Bay of Bengal, built around the Jagannath Temple. It is also the usual base for Konark, 35 km up the coast, and for Chilika's Satapada.

🗺 Interactive Map · Coming Soon

Explore Puri on the map

City locations, drawn from our published destination data. Attractions, hotels and restaurants are not mapped yet.

📍 View Larger Map 🚆 Transport

Things to do

What Puri is for

A pilgrim town first, with a beach and a good base for day trips.

In the city

The Jagannath Temple. Visitors who cannot enter can still see its towers from outside.
The beach. Walk it at dawn or dusk.
The Rath Yatra. If your dates coincide, plan for crowds and book ahead.

Day trips

Konark Sun Temple, about 35 km up the coast.
Chilika's Satapada for dolphin boat trips; the Puri district tourism site lists it under Puri.
Craft villages such as Raghurajpur (Pattachitra painting) and Pipili (appliqué) are easy additions.

Suggested itinerary

How long to give it

Day 1

The temple city

The Jagannath Temple from outside if you cannot enter, then the beach at dusk.

Day 2

Konark or Chilika

A day trip to Konark's Sun Temple, or a boat trip from Satapada.

Onward

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar and its airport are 60–65 km away.

Getting there

Arriving & getting around

Puri sits at the end of the line from Bhubaneswar.

Getting there

The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, 60–65 km away. Puri has its own railway station, and pilgrim traffic is heavy around festivals, so book ahead.
Konark is about 35 km from Puri. A car with a driver is the practical way to see both.

Travel intelligence

When to visit

Festivals and weather decide the trip.

SeasonOct – Mar

Odisha Tourism's visiting season; November to February is the most reliable.

Cyclone riskOct – Nov

Cyclones are most likely in these months. Check forecasts before you travel.

Rath YatraMonsoon months

The chariot festival falls in the monsoon months. Check the date for your year and book ahead.

Hot monthsMar – Jun

Hot and humid on the coast.

Culture

How to be a good guest

Puri is first of all a place of worship.

Etiquette

Dress modestly and follow local guidance around the temple and during festivals.
Follow the rules posted at the temple, including those on photography.

Practical tips

Insider tips

Check festival dates before you book, since the Rath Yatra changes the whole town.
Book trains and rooms early around festivals.
Keep a day for Konark or Chilika; both are easy from here.

Nearby

The usual next stops.

FAQ